Rising Stars: Meet Steven Sutherland of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Sutherland.

Hi Steven, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in sketchy neighborhood west of Detroit, raised by a single mom after losing my dad to suicide when I was 14. That moment shattered my world and shaped a lot of who I am. I didn’t grow up with connections or a clear path, but I always felt like I was meant to tell stories, ones that could move people, heal people, and maybe even inspire others to chase their own dreams.

Acting became my outlet. I started in faith based films and landed my first lead in a feature called Ashes of Eden, which went on to get worldwide distribution. Since then, I’ve done everything from commercials to music videos to other indie films, anything I could to stay in the game and grow. I moved to Atlanta to chase the dream harder, faced setbacks, injuries, and even homelessness, but I never let go of the vision.

Most recently, I starred as one of the lead antagonists in a western called Wild Faith Christmas, which is set to release in theaters this November. It’s a gritty, redemptive story, and being part of a period film like that was a dream come true. Every role I take, I try to bring my whole heart to it, because I know what it’s like to feel like the underdog just trying to be seen. That’s why I keep going. Now I’m a homeowner and married to an amazing woman. I’m currently in talks to star in a few projects coming up but that’s not set in stone until I’m basically on set. I’m currently a free agent and am looking for an agency for representation.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. I think anyone chasing a dream knows there’s a cost, but I don’t think I realized how high it would be until I was in it. I’ve dealt with rejection, extreme financial instability, and even homelessness while trying to make it work. At one point, I was living in my car in Atlanta, auditioning during the day and sleeping wherever I could at night fighting off sickness from the cold. YES, it does get freaking cold in Atlanta in the winter time at night.

I’ve also faced some serious physical setbacks, injuries that nearly took me out of the industry completely. I broke my leg and hip, and there were moments I truly didn’t know if I’d ever act again. On top of all that, I’ve battled the internal stuff — the doubt, the depression, the voice that says, ‘You’re not enough.’ That voice gets loud when the gigs aren’t coming, or when you’re watching other people pass you by.

But every setback has become part of my story. I’ve learned how to keep showing up, even when I don’t feel strong. And honestly, those dark seasons have shaped me into the kind of actor, and person I am today. They gave me depth, empathy, and a reason to fight for this with everything I’ve got.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor with a deep love for emotionally driven storytelling. Over the years, I’ve taken on a wide range of roles, from faith-based films to intense dramas. I starred in Ashes of Eden as a troubled young man searching for redemption while fighting addiction, and in Surrender, I played a young man pushed so far over the edge that he takes a church hostage, one of the most emotionally challenging roles I’ve ever tackled. In Standing Post, I portrayed a military casualty notification officer, which gave me a chance to represent real, often unseen pain with respect and authenticity.

Most recently, I played one of the lead antagonists in the upcoming western Wild Faith Christmas, which is set to hit theaters this November. It’s a powerful, redemptive story, and I was honored to bring some grit and complexity to that role.

What people may not know is that I’ve also worked behind the camera on some massive productions, including Marvel Studios films like Infinity War, Endgame, and Ant-Man and the Wasp. That experience gave me a whole new appreciation for the craft and the team effort it takes to make movie magic happen. It also made me feel as if I was “window shopping” my dreams. It was hard being around all of those A-List celebrities while I was stuck behind camera building movie sets. Nonetheless it was a time I will never forget. How many people can say they cracked jokes with Iron Man for months.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just show up and act, I bring my life with me. I’ve lived through loss, hardship, and moments where walking away would’ve been easier. But I believe in the power of story to reach people, to heal, and to remind them they’re not alone. That’s why I do what I do, to connect with people on a level that goes deeper than just entertainment. More recently I am writing an autobiography about my life and the struggles of growing up with an alcoholic father and persevering through pain. It’s a fail forward dance in the rain sort of book. That will be out by the end of the year.

Any big plans?
Well, I’m without representation right now as an actor so I am seeking that to start auditioning for more local projects in Georgia. I’m also working on this book. When that’s finished I plan on doing some public speaking. Outside of that I am trying to be the best husband i can be and create art while I can when I can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.StevenbrianSutherland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven__sutherland/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevensmind
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3322560/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_Steven%2520Sutherland%2520

Image Credits
Jason Vail
GW Burns